Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026: Tickets Now on Sale — 4 Venues Compared
チェンマイ坂田"I want to go to the lantern festival — but which venue should I choose?"
ManiTabi, a local travel company in Chiang Mai that even hosted a lantern venue in Japanese last year, compares the four major venues and their prices. We also take ticket bookings.
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Lantern Festival Basics
What is the Yi Peng lantern festival?
Yi Peng is a Buddhist festival of the Lanna region, held at the full moon of the second Lanna month — a festival of light. It coincides with Loy Krathong, so Chiang Mai glows three ways: khom loi lanterns in the sky, krathong floats on the water and Lanna lanterns in the streets.
Originally a ritual to let go of bad luck and pray for good fortune, it now draws travelers from around the world.
When is it in 2026?
The dates change each year with the Lanna calendar. In 2026, the main Yi Peng nights are planned for November 24 (Tue) and 25 (Wed).
Do I really need a ticket?
Releasing lanterns in central Chiang Mai and near the airport is strictly limited by law. Releasing them outside designated areas can bring heavy penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of up to 200,000 baht. For the environment, fire risk and air safety, the government strictly controls unauthorized releases. To enjoy the festival safely, you must join a licensed venue with a ticket.
Comparing the 4 Venues
These are the four popular venues near Chiang Mai in 2026.
| Venue | Highlights | Approx. price (adult, with transfer) |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Chiangmai Golf Club | Many Japanese guests, reassuring / lanterns released in sync / good food and clean toilets | General: approx. 5,000B VIP: approx. 7,000B |
| Mae Jo University | Unique lanterns reflected on the water / a solemn religious atmosphere | Standard: 5,000B Premium: 6,500B |
| CAD Cultural Center | The largest crowd and an overwhelming number of lanterns | Standard: 4,900B VIP: 6,500THB Elite: 15,900B |
| Gassan Panorama Golf Course | Homely atmosphere / good food | From 4,500THB (to be confirmed) |
Venue Guide
1. Royal Chiangmai Golf Club
Basics
- Official name: Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival 2026 at The Royal Chiangmai Golf Club
- Location: The Royal Chiangmai Golf Club (about 40–50 minutes from central Chiang Mai)
- Stages and food stalls on the lawns, with dance, music and fire shows from evening into the night.
| Seat | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| VIP + transfer | 6,949THB | 5,449THB |
| VIP | 6,499THB | 4,999THB |
| General + transfer | 4,949THB | 2,949THB |
| General | 4,499THB | 2,499THB |
- 80–90% of guests are Japanese, with announcements in Japanese
- With many guests from one group, everyone releases lanterns together
- Buffet of Northern Thai and Thai food — tasty
Recommended for: first-timers who want a safe, easy experience; groups and families who value Japanese-language support.
2. Mae Jo University
Basics
- Official name: Yee Peng Lanna International 2026 – Mae Jo, Sansai
- Venue: Tudongkhasathan Lanna (Lanna Dhutanga)
- Plan: Lanna culture displays and light buffet from the evening → 18:00 Buddhist rituals (chanting, meditation, candle procession) → 20:00 mass lantern release
| Seat | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | 5,000B (transfer, English guide, one lantern and buffet) |
| Premium | 6,500B (front seats plus all of the above) |
- A "quiet" venue focused on Buddhist ritual: chanting, meditation and a candle procession before the release.
- Strict rules: no alcohol, no drones, restrictions for children under 12.
- Photograph lanterns reflected on the water — something no other venue offers.
- In the waiting area: photos in long-neck Karen costume, ethnic dances, sticky rice in bamboo and more.
Recommended for: anyone who wants photos of lanterns on the water, and those who value a spiritual experience.
3. CAD Cultural Center
Basics
- Official name: Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026
- Location: Chiangmai CAD Cultural Center Lanna (Mae On area, about 40–50 minutes from the city)
- Traditional dance and music on a big stage, Northern Thai buffet, mass lantern release, krathong floating, fireworks and light shows
Packages are mostly "all-in-one": entry, buffet dinner, soft drinks, mass lantern release and krathong floating.
| Seat (price) | Location | View | Seating | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (4,900B) | Outermost ring (ground level) | Wide view of the lantern-filled sky | Floor mat and cushion | Red songthaew (shared, no A/C) |
| VIP (6,500B) | Outside Premium, middle rows (ground) | Close to the stage with a wide view | Bamboo chair | Air-conditioned vehicle (shared) |
| Premium (7,000B) | Near the stage (ground) | Stage action up close | Table and cushion | Air-conditioned vehicle (shared) |
| Gold (8,900THB) | Middle area (raised ~1.2 m) | Wide, high view | Table and cushion | Air-conditioned vehicle (shared) |
| Platinum (11,900THB) | In front of Elite (raised ~2.5 m) | High, clear view | Table and cushion | Air-conditioned vehicle (shared) |
| Elite (15,900B) | Back row (raised ~4 m) | The best view of fireworks and lanterns | Table and cushion | Private air-conditioned car |
- Gold, Premium, VIP and Standard transfers meet at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (Entrance 4 or 5)
- Elite and Platinum transfers meet at Maya Shopping Mall (fountain area)
Recommended for: anyone who wants the most spectacular release, and couples or friends who want lots of photos and videos.
Some seat types are sold out. Please ask us for current availability.
4. Gassan Panorama Golf Course
Basics
- Venue: Gassan Panorama Golf Club (Lamphun, about 45–60 minutes from Chiang Mai)
- 2025: held on November 5–6, 2025 (GetYourGuide)
- Theme: a colorful concept that changes each year, such as "Temple Fun Fair"
| Seat | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | 6,500THB | 3,250THB |
| V.I.P. | 5,500THB | 2,750THB |
| Standard | 4,500THB | 2,250THB |
- Cultural shows, Northern Thai buffet and a mass lantern release
- More of a "theme park meets festival" feel than CAD or Royal — lively and photogenic
- Some years also offer DIY activities and a fair-like atmosphere
This is the venue where ManiTabi hosted the event.
What to Wear, Bring & Know
Clothing
- Venues with Buddhist rituals call for modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- White or calm colors, or Lanna-style clothing, are recommended
- No sleeveless tops, shorts or revealing clothes
- Nights are a little cool in the dry season — bring a light layer
What to bring
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers
- Wet wipes and a power bank
- A folding umbrella or raincoat (umbrellas are not allowed at some venues)
- A copy or photo of your passport
Manners & safety
- Many venues ban alcohol (e.g., Mae Jo) — check in advance
- When lighting lanterns, watch out for people, children, hair and clothing
- Never release lanterns in unauthorized areas
Price & Tour Details
| Price | Adults 4,499–15,900 THB per person (depends on venue, seat type and transfers; see each venue below) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Evening to night on November 24 (Tue) and 25 (Wed), 2026 (programs differ by venue) |
| Minimum group size | Please ask us |
| Meeting point | Depends on the venue and ticket (tickets with transfers depart from a set meeting point) |
| Included |
|
| Not included | Please ask us |
Cancellation Policy
We will explain the cancellation policy before you book. Please ask us.
See our Travel Terms and Conditions for details.
Now Taking Ticket Bookings
For the 2026 festival, ManiTabi arranges tickets and transfer plans for all four venues: Royal Chiangmai Golf Club, Mae Jo University, CAD Cultural Center and Gassan Panorama Golf Course.
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